Update:
Contrary to preliminary reports, Super Bowl XLVIII has officially become the most watched television program in U.S. history with 111.5 million viewers. The previous record was held by 2012’s Super Bowl with 111.3 million viewers, which narrowly topped 2010’s Super Bowl of 111 million.
Original Article:
Despite the Super Bowl being the worst blowout since 1993 and earning the lowest ratings in the metered market since 2010 (according to preliminary ratings), Super Bowl XLVIII still earned the franchises fifth-best rating of all time.
Since the Seattle Seahawks had a 22-point lead at the start of the third quarter their early victory drained suspense from the telecast. The overnight household ratings placed the game at 47.6. While it is still the fifth-best rating of all time, preliminary ratings went down 1 percent from last year’s game, which was below the previous two years.
In terms of viewership, Super Bowl XLVIII was watched by 96.88 million, lower than the average 108.69 million who watched last year’s game. In fact, the past four games have been the most watched TV program in U.S history.
